As the frost comes in, we turn to Rutherford Head. Held on the Newcastle/Tyne stretch, running upstream from Scotswood to Newburn, Rutherford is 4500m long. In the first division, we have four Women’s Quads entered in the band one category. Two university crews, and two composite. With some natural course experience, it’ll be interesting to see who takes the winning medal.
Blue Star Club, Newcastle University BC & Tyne ARC
Newcastle University, Blue Star; the NUBC alumni club, and Tyne Amateur Rowing Club. This boat is under the name, Bradley. Could this be Rachel Bradley? Bradley raced her 20/21 season for Ireland at the Junior World Championships, along with GB representation at the U23 European Championships of the 21/22 season. If so, the rest of the line up will also be equally as strong.
Newcastle University BC
Perhaps Lucy Thomson is in this boat? Fresh to university, Lucy won silver in the Women’s Double Sculls at Coupe de la Jeunesse earlier this year. Finishing 74th at November Trials just gone, we can presume her follow trialists will also be in this boat. Again, making it not only strong, but with a fluid knowledge of the awkward bends, stream and shallow waters the race course has to offer.
Edinburgh University BC
Coming down from the North, and maybe finding the weather warmer too, we have Edinburgh. This women’s quad is under the name Buchanan, which could be Anna Buchanan. Having also raced at November Trials just gone, it is clear Edinburgh are also putting forward strong crews. Having also recently done well at the NUBC, DUBC, EUBC fixture held on the same course, there will be results to uphold.
Agecroft RC, Nottingham RC & Strathclyde Park RC
An interesting composite crew of Agecroft Rowing Club, Strathclyde Park Rowing Club, and what I presume is Nottingham Rowing Club. This is due to Norval, perhaps Catriona Norval, who is a GB Start athlete indicating that this is a composite crew bringing together Start athletes from difference centres. If that’s right, then these girls will be strong and able to fight a strong stream and have the determination to win.
Prediction
Although small in number, this category is incredibly strong. I would predict the Blue Star composite to come in first, Edinburgh University, Newcastle University, then the Agecroft composite. It’ll be tight timing right to the line, so every stroke will count, however these girls will have the grit to make it to the finish in style. Stay warm, stay strong, and most of all, best of luck!
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